Enugu Rangers beat MC Alger 2-0 on Sunday. The CAF Champions League second preliminary round first leg held at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta. Rangers played most of the match with ten men. Goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh was sent off in the 13th minute for bringing down Naidji Zakaria outside his box. Fidelis Ilechukwu withdrew Waheed Adebayo and brought on substitute goalkeeper Lateef Ishola. Rangers reorganised. They held firm.
This is not the first time these clubs have met in a decisive tie. In the 1976 African Cup of Champions Clubs, MC Alger overturned a two-goal deficit against Rangers. They went on to win the competition. Rangers have not forgotten. The current tie is the second preliminary round. The winner reaches the group stage. MC Alger are the Algerian champions. Rangers are the Nigerian champions. Both sides know what is at stake.
MC Alger lost Oussama Benhaoua to a second yellow card in the 51st minute. Both sides were down to ten. Rangers pressed. James Emo had a goal ruled out for offside. Ramdane saved his header. The breakthrough came in the 87th minute. Chidozie Igwilo was brought down in the box. Kenneth Igboke converted the penalty. Three minutes later, Emo finished a solo effort. Rangers had a two-goal cushion.
Post-match violence marred the match. Several hundred MC Alger supporters travelled to Abeokuta. After the final whistle, some attacked stadium facilities and members of the Algerian staff. Supporters besieged the tunnel and confronted coach Khaled Ben Yahia. Security forces evacuated him. A staff member was allegedly assaulted. Rangers filed a complaint with CAF. The club accused the visiting fans of forcing open a gate, entering without paying and damaging seats. Rangers want an investigation, reimbursement and security guarantees for the return leg in Algiers.
Winners: Rangers, who gain a two-goal advantage. Igboke, who scored the penalty. Emo, who sealed the win. Ilechukwu, whose substitutions worked. Losers: MC Alger, who face an uphill return leg. Benhaoua, who was sent off. Jimoh, who misses the second leg. MC Alger fans, whose conduct faces sanction. CAF, which must adjudicate the complaint.
Bottom Line: Rangers won with ten men. The tie is not over. Algiers is a difficult place to defend a lead. History warns them. MC Alger have done it before. Rangers must be ready.